Abbas needs U.S. support on disengagement

The Jewish Advocate
July 29-August 4, 2005

My fellow American Jews and I mourn the loss of life and shedding of blood caused by the terrorist attack in Netanya, Israel, earlier this month. This horrific event demonstrates that the Palestinian use of terror as a political strategy is futile and counterproductive.

For this reason, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his government need America's support as they rightly emphasize the futility of such actions.

Achieving joint negotiated agreements with the Israelis, backed by nonviolent, grassroots, popular mobilization, is the only way a lasting peace will be secured.

American Jews, Arab-Americans, Israeli Jews and Palestinians support the Gaza disengagement 3-to-1. As the people of the United Kingdom are now unfortunately discovering for themselves, we must never allow the acts of a small number of extremists to dictate policy.

 

Donna Spiegelman

Cambridge